Acclaimed author ‘sick’ about 171-year-old institution’s proposed restructure as hundreds of writers sign open letter in protest

Expert says the weather pattern, which typically brings wetter and cooler conditions, may be weakened by global heating * Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here Despite a heatwave warning this week for large parts of the country, Australia is under the influence of a La Niña – a climate phenomenon which in the past has meant wetter and cooler weather. The Bureau of Meteorology declared in November the system was in place but there are signs this year’s La Niña may not bring what many Australians might expect. Continue reading...

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No more than seven government MPs will be appointed but Greens and independents will not be included * Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast The Aukus nuclear submarine deal and Australia’s involvement in military conflicts will be considered by a secretive new committee of federal parliament, dubbed a “closed shop” by the Greens over plans to exclude minor parties and independents. Labor and the Coalition are preparing to pass legislation to establish a joint House and Senate committee on defence as soon as Thursday, with a makeup mirroring the powerful parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security. Continue reading...

Hikers say authorities should have closed popular trail due to horrendous weather conditions, and camp staff offered minimal assistance * Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates * Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast About 100 metres below the most challenging summit in a remote nature reserve in Chilean Patagonia, Australian woman Emily Dong was among a group of hikers who thought they were going to die. Less than a day later, five hikers would be confirmed dead in the Torres del Paine national park after winds hit 190km/h and temperatures plummeted to –5C. Taking into account wind chill, it felt like –20C. Continue reading...